Negative - Building the Milking Shed, F.C. Williames' Farm, Hill End, Victoria, pre 1920

Summary

Photograph of the milking shed under construction on the property of Frederick Charles Williames (1893-1985), at Hill End (Gippsland), Victoria, before 1920. A row of timber-framed stalls and bail heads have been completed, with an overhead frame, but the remainder of the shed has been left unfinished whilst the harvesting is in progress. Milking sheds typically had a continuous feed trough along the front for chaff. An 'Emu' milking machine was later installed in the shed.

Frederick Charles Williames was born at Brighton, Victoria, in 1893, being third of five children for parents Walter Frederick Williames (1862-1911) and Mary Ellen Williames (neé Tharratt) (1870-1944). By the time his father died in 1911, aged just 49, the family had relocated to Hill End, in West Gippsland, where they were engaged in dairy farming. Frederick Charles Williames enlisted in the AIF in July 1915, at the age of 21, describing himself as a farmer, with his mother given as next of kin. He was placed in the 12th Reinforcements of the 2nd Field Company, Engineers, service no. 2526, becoming a driver and served in France. He suffered several bouts of illness, but returned safely to Australia in May 1919, to resume his farming career. He developed the Hill End property into a flourishing dairy farm and later owned others properties near Moe. During the 1960s he joined his nephew Mr G.A. Williames in a Warragul based venture producing the 'Williames Wildcat' all-terrain light tractor. He died at Prahran, Victoria, in 1985.

Description of Content

Milking shed in construction with timber frame forming a row of cow stalls and bail heads. A large haystack can be seen behind the frame of the milking shed.